Multi-track beam modular assembly system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a multi-track beam for use in modular assembly systems for office and industrial work stations. The embodiments have four corner tubes, bars, or channels arranged in a rectangular pattern in cross-section and connected in ways that provide improved ability to transmit torque along a long axis of the multi-track beam while providing improved resistance to bending under the forces of the torque. Fastening devices such a jam nuts may be inserted into the tracks to secure accessories to the multi-track beam or to other multi-track beams.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/974,676 filed on 3 Apr. 2014, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/137,681 filed on 24 Mar. 2015, bothincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular assembly systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to modular assembly systemsfor office and industrial work stations.

BACKGROUND

Modular building assembly systems have long been available to for theconstruction and erection of various structures such as office cubicles,industrial work stations, and scaffolding. Such modular buildingassembly systems usually have some type of standard beam that can bejoined to other beams and to which various accessories can be attached.Solid bars, of circular or regular polygonal shape (such as square orhexagonal) may be used, but are inferior to tubes of the same shapebecause tubes have a better resistance to torsion for the same mass ofmaterial than do solid bars. Circular or regular polygons lack an easypoint of attachment for accessories and other beams, so more complexshapes are preferred. One such complex shaped beam is a cruciform beam(see U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,842 to Gautreau, FIG. 1). The cruciform beamcomprises a center tube surrounded by four angle bars arranged in asquare pattern in cross-section and each joined to the center tube witha web or fin, the fins forming a cross when the beam is viewed incross-section. Accessories can be attached along the cruciform beam byclamping the accessory to one of the angle bars or in a longitudinalgroove defined by the spaces between the fins and angle bars. Thecruciform beam is relatively strong in resisting buckling when torsionis applied to the beam around an axis orthogonal to the long axis of thecruciform beam because in cross-section, a substantial amount of thebeam material is distant from the center longitudinal axis. Such torsionoccurs when the cruciform beam spans a space and a load is attached tothe beam somewhere in the middle. However, the cruciform beam is notrelatively strong when torsion is applied around the long axis of thecruciform beam. Such torsion occurs when a load is cantilevered from theside of the cruciform beam. Since a cruciform beam for a given size andweight does not have good resistance to torsion around its long axis,accessories are usually not cantilevered from the side of the cruciformbeam.

What is needed is a modular building system with a beam that has strongresistance to torsion around its long axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments,but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whichlike references denote similar elements, and in which:

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of theinvention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explainthe principles and implementations of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a quad-track beam.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a strut nut and a portion of a channelleg.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a quad-trackbeam.

FIG. 4 a is a top view of a straight configuration quad-track beam.

FIG. 4 b is a top view of a diamond configuration using quad-trackbeams.

FIG. 4 c is a top view of a cross configuration using quad-track beams.

FIG. 4 d is a top view of a star configuration using quad-track beams.

FIG. 5 a is a top view of a joint in the star configuration.

FIG. 5 b is a top view of a joint in the diamond configuration.

FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of a single channel leg.

FIG. 6 b is a cross-section view of a single channel leg from the top.

FIG. 6 c is a cross-section view of an alternative single channel legfrom the top.

FIG. 6 d is a cross-section view of a double channel leg from the top.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an application using quad-track beams.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a quad-track beam.

FIG. 9A shows a fourth embodiment of a quad-track beam in a perspectiveview.

FIG. 9B shows an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodimentquad-track beam.

FIG. 9C shows the fourth embodiment quad-track beam in a perspectiveview with components for attaching accessories.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a first embodiment of a dual quad-trackbeam assembly.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a dual beam brace bracket.

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dualquad-track beam assembly.

FIG. 11B shows a top view of the second embodiment of a dual quad-trackbeam assembly.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dualquad-track beam cruciform module.

FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dualquad-track beam cruciform module.

FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of a central mounting plate.

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of a dual quad-track beam assemblywith cantilevered legs attached, forming a first exemplary workstationarrangement.

FIG. 14B shows a top view of the leg mounting plate.

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a second exemplary workstation arrangementusing dual quad-track beam assemblies.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of asingle-track beam assembly.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adual-track beam assembly.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary workstationarrangement.

FIG. 19A shows a side view of the third exemplary workstationarrangement with a cable trough and a shelf coupled thereto.

FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of the cable trough of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an adjustable end bracket.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of a fourth exemplary workstation arrangement.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of a fifth exemplary workstation arrangement.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of a sixth exemplary workstation arrangement,demonstrating some of the different shaped work surfaces that may beused to create customized workstations for multiple purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention,mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like referencematerials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding,or similar components in different figures. The figures associated withthis disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy toscale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity ofviewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application and business related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such adevelopment effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Use of directional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below”, “infront of,” “behind,” etc. are intended to describe the positions and/ororientations of various components of the invention relative to oneanother as shown in the various Figures and are not intended to imposelimitations on any position and/or orientation of any embodiment of theinvention relative to any reference point external to the reference.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications andchanges may be made to the exemplary embodiment(s) without departingfrom the scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, beunderstood that modifications of the invention, in its various aspects,will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent onlyafter study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical andelectronic design. No single feature, function or property of theexemplary embodiment(s) is essential. Other embodiments are possible,their specific designs depending upon the particular application. Assuch, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the particularembodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

Quad-Track Beam First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a quad-track beam100. Typically, the quad-track beam 100 would have an end cap, but thisis omitted in FIG. 1 to better illustrate the cross-sectional structureof the first embodiment quad-track beam 100. The first embodimentquad-track beam 100 has four corner tubes 104. The corner tubes 104 aremuch greater in length than in width, typically 20 or more inches inlength and one to two inches in width. The corner tubes 104 are arrangedin parallel longitudinally and in a rectangular pattern incross-section. The corner tubes 104 in the first embodiment quad-trackbeam 100 are made of steel in 12, 14, or 16 gauges, however in otherembodiments, other suitable materials may be used. The corner tubes 104have interior sides 106 that face inward towards the other corner tubes104 and have exterior sides 107 facing outward.

The first embodiment quad-track beam 100 also has four channel bars 108.Each of the first embodiment channel bars 108 has two lateral sides 110and a back side 112. Collectively, the lateral sides 110 and the backside 112 define a channel bar cavity 114 therein. Each corner tube 104is coupled to two of the other corner tubes 104 by one of the channelbars 108 with each lateral side 110 of each of the channel bars 108contacting one of the interior sides 106 of one of the corner tubes 104.In the first embodiment, the channel bars 108 are made of steel andwelded to the corner tubes 104, but in other embodiments, may be made ofother materials and attached in other ways.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of one of the channel bars 108 along with astrut-nut 140. The strut-nut 140 is used to attach an accessory (e.g.,the single channel leg 120 in FIG. 1) to the first embodiment quad-trackbeam 100 at the channel bar 108. Each of the channel bars 108 haschannel bar lips 116 that curl in towards each other and then towardsthe channel bar cavity 114 and the back side 112 of the channel bar 108.The channel bar cavity 114 has nut-retention foam 118 placed therein.The channel bar 108 is configured to hold the strut-nut 140 against thecurled channel bar lips 116 with the nut-retention foam 118. The channelbar 108 has a space between the channel bar lips 116 that is slightlylarger than the width of the strut-nut 140. The strut-nut 140 can beinserted into the channel bar cavity 114, pushing back the nut-retentionfoam 118. Then the strut-nut 140 can be twisted so that the ends of thelonger dimension of the strut-nut 140 slip under the channel bar lips116. The strut-nut 140 has a pair of toothed grooves 148 near the endsof its longer dimension that are configured to engage with the channelbar lips 116. The strut-nut 140 has two rounded corners 142, diagonallyopposed and two angled corners 144, diagonally opposed. The longerdimension of the strut-nut 140 is configured to be slightly shorter thanthe interior width of the channel bar cavity 114. When the strut-nut 140is twisted clockwise, the rounded corners 142 slide past the interiorlateral walls of the channel bar 108 until the angled corners 144contact the channel bar lateral side 110, preventing further clockwiserotation of the strut-nut 140. The strut-nut 140 also has a threadedhole 146 configured to accept a threaded rod, bolt or screw, which isused to attach an accessory (such as the single channel leg 120) to thefirst embodiment quad-track beam 100.

In the first embodiment, the corner tubes 104 are square incross-section, but in other embodiments may be rectangular. Arectangular cross-section provides flat corner tube interior sides 106for joining with the flat lateral sides 110 of the channel bars 108. Therectangular cross-section provides a flat surface for accommodatingaccessory parts (e.g., the single channel leg 120 in FIG. 1). Thisallows the accessory parts to have large flat end plates (e.g. thesingle channel leg end plate 128 in FIG. 1) for contacting the cornertubes 104. Large flat end plates facilitate transmittal of torque fromthe accessory to the first embodiment quad-track beam 100. Such torquewould occur if the accessory is cantilevered off of the quad-track beam100. Any torque placed on the accessory will transmit the torque forcesmostly through the leg end plate 128 to the corner tubes 104 and not asmuch through the hardware (i.e., the bolt, strut-nut 140, and channelbar lips 116) attaching the accessory to the quad-track beam 100.Torsion transmitted solely through the strut-nut 140 would tend tounseat the strut-nut 140 from one of the channel bar lips 116 and doublethe stress on the other channel bar lip 116. This would reduce thetorque that could be safely handled by the quad-track beam 100 andaccessory combination.

In the first embodiment, the channel bar lips 116 are flush or nearlyflush with the exterior sides 107 of the corner tubes 104. This is tofacilitate the coupling of accessories, which is more difficult when thechannel bar 108 is recessed. The channel bar lateral sides 110 are justlong enough to provide sufficient depth in the channel bar cavity 114for insertion of a strut-nut 140. This keeps the channel bar back side112 close to the exterior of the quad-track beam 100, as defined by theexterior sides 107 of the adjacent corner tubes 104. The channel barback sides 112 bear forces caused by torsion of the quad-track beam 100about its long axis and will do so more efficiently when they are closerto the exterior of the quad-track beam 100. In the first embodiment, thechannel bar lateral sides 110 in cross-section are no greater in lengththan the corner tube interior sides 106 with which they are in contact.More specifically, the channel bar lateral sides 110 in cross-sectionare half or less in length than the corner tube interior sides 106 withwhich they are in contact. In the first embodiment, the corner tubes 104are square in cross-section with corner tube interior sides 106 of 1½inches and the channel bar lateral sides 110 are ¾ inches.

Quad-Track Beam Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a quad-track beam 156 and a jam nut168 intended for use therewith. Similar to the first embodimentquad-track beam 100, the second embodiment quad-track beam 156 has fourcorner tubes 158 that are rectangular in cross-section and arranged in arectangular pattern in cross-section. The corner tubes 158 have interiorsides 161 that face inward towards the other corner tubes 158 and haveexterior sides 159 facing outward. However, instead of channel bars,these four corner tubes 158 are coupled by side plates 162. In thesecond embodiment, each side plate 162 is coupled to an adjacent two ofthe corner tubes 158 to be flush with the exterior sides 159 of theadjacent two corner tubes 158. In other embodiments, the adjacent cornertubes 158 are nearly flush with the exterior sides 159 of the twoadjacent corner tubes 158, with each of the side plates 162 incross-section no farther from one of the exterior sides 159 than a halfof a length in cross-section of an adjacent one of the interior sides161. The side plates 162 bear the torsion forces generated when a torqueis applied to the quad-track beam 156 about its long axis. In the secondembodiment, the side plates 162 are coupled to the corner tubes 158 bywelding, but in other embodiments, may be coupled in other ways. In someembodiments, the second embodiment quad-track beam 156 is extruded as amonolithic piece.

The corner tubes 158 in the second embodiment quad-track beam 156 aremade of steel in 12, 14, or 16 gauges. The side plates 162 are made of14 gauge steel. However in other embodiments, other suitable materialsmay be used for the corner tubes 158 and side plates 162. In across-section of the second embodiment quad-track beam 156, the cornertubes 158 are 1½ inches on each side and the side plates 162 are 1½inches wide. However, in other embodiments, the corner tubes 158 andside plates 162 may have other dimensions.

The side plates 162 of the second embodiment quad-track beam 156 haveslots 164 for insertion of the jam nut 168. The side slots 164 run alongthe long axis of the side plate 162, interrupted by side plate webs 166.The side plate webs 166 bear the forces caused by torsion of the secondembodiment quad-track beam 156 about its long axis. The side slots 164have a width parallel to the long axis of the side plate 162 and aheight orthogonal to the width. The width of each of the side slots 164is at least as wide as the length (largest dimension) of the jam nut168. The height of each of the side slots 164 is at least as high as thethickness (smallest dimension) of the jam nut 168. In the secondembodiment, the side slots 164 are 9/16 inch high, which is slightlylarger than the ⅜ inch thickness of the jam nut 168 used to attachaccessories. In other embodiments, the side slots 164 may have adifferent height. For example, in some embodiments, the height of theside slots 164 is at least as high as the width of the jam nut 168intended to be used. This would allow the jam nut 168 to be insertedinto one of the side slots 164 while a bolt or threaded rod is insertedinto a threaded hole 174 of the jam nut 168.

Longer side slots 164 and shorter side plate webs 166 will weakenresistance of the second embodiment quad-track beam 156 to torsion aboutits long axis, and shorter side slot 164 with longer side plate webs 166will strengthen resistance to torsion. A trade-off must be made betweenthe better torsion resistance of shorter side slots 164 and flexibilityin attaching accessories that comes from longer side slots 164. In thesecond embodiment, the side slots 164 are 4 inches wide and the sideplate webs 166 are 1 inch wide, but other embodiments may have differentwidths for these features.

The second embodiment quad-track beam 156 has a central cavity 176defined by the corner tubes 158 and the side plates 162. The centralcavity 176 has a nut-retention foam 160 positioned therein. Thenut-retention foam 160 is compressible and resilient. A jam nut 168 tobe inserted through one of the side slots 164 compresses thenut-retention foam 160. The resilience of the nut-retention foam 160then holds the jam nut 168 in position.

Similar to the strut-nut 140 in the first embodiment, the purpose of thejam nut 168 is to attach accessories to the second embodiment quad-trackbeam 156. The jam nut 168 can be inserted into the central cavity 176,pushing back the nut-retention foam 160. Then the jam nut 168 can betwisted so that the ends of the longer dimension of the jam nut 168 slipbehind the side plate 162. The jam nut 168 has two rounded corners 170,diagonally opposed and two angled corners 172, diagonally opposed. Thelonger dimension of the jam nut 168 is configured to be slightly shorterthan the width of the side plate 162, where the width refers to thedimension between the corner tubes 158. When the jam nut 168 is twistedclockwise, the jam nut rounded corners 170 slide past the corner tubes158 until the angled corners 172 contact the corner tubes 158,preventing further clockwise rotation of the jam nut 168. The jam nut168 also has a threaded hole 174 configured to accept a threaded rod,bolt or screw, which is used to attach an accessory to the secondembodiment quad-track beam 156.

Quad-Track Beam Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a quad-track beam 230. Similar to thefirst embodiment quad-track beam 100, the third embodiment quad-trackbeam 230 has four corner tubes 232 arranged in a rectangular pattern incross-section. However, instead of channel bars, these four corner tubes232 are coupled by four corner tube webs 238. The four corner tube webs238 define a central cavity 240. The third embodiment quad-track beam230 is more suitable for manufacturing by extrusion than the first orsecond embodiments, but all three embodiments may be made by variousmanufacturing methods without limitation.

The corner tubes 232 each have a corner tube cavity 234. The cornertubes 232 are each generally rectangular in shape in cross-section withsome rounded corners, but in other embodiments may have circularcross-sections or some other suitable shape. The corner tubes 232 eachhave at least one exterior side 248 and at least one interior side 246.The corner tubes 232 each have two corner tube lips 236 that eachproject from one of the interior sides 246 of the corner tube 232towards an adjacent corner tube 232. Each two corner tubes 232, thecorner tube web 238 between them and the corner tube lips 236 adjacentthis corner tube web 238, together define a channel cavity 242.

The channel cavity 242 is “T” shaped to accept a jam nut, similar to thejam nut 168 of the second embodiment. The jam nut is configured to beinserted into the channel cavity 242 with its length axis parallel tothe length of the channel cavity 242, and then turned so that its lengthaxis is parallel to the width of the channel cavity 242. With a jam nutthat has a length that is the same dimension as the width of the channelcavity 242, the jam nut will jam against the corner tubes 232. The jamnut can be used to attach an accessory much in the same way as thestrut-nut 140 of the first embodiment or the jam nut 168 of the secondembodiment.

Each of the four corner tubes 232 has a corner tube neck 244 projectingfrom the corner tube 232 towards the center of the rectangular patternof corner tubes 232. Each corner tube neck 244 connects that corner tube232 with the two closest corner tube webs 238. Each corner tube neck 244is relatively thick to facilitate transmittal of torsion force from anadjacent corner tube 232 to the adjacent corner tube webs 238 withoutundue bending or deformation of the corner tube neck 244. If the cornertube neck 244 is too thin, an accessory cantilevered off of the thirdembodiment quad-track beam 230 and attached with a jam nut in one of thechannel cavities 242 would bend the corner tube 232 above the channelcavity 242 back and away from the channel cavity 242, potentiallyunseating and releasing the jam nut. To prevent this, each of cornertube necks 244 is at least as thick as half the distance between theadjacent corner tube cavity 234 and the central cavity 240.

To facilitate transmittal of torque about the long axis of the thirdembodiment quad-track beam 230 without undue twisting, the corner tubewebs 238 are relatively thick and as close to the outer edge of thethird embodiment quad-track beam 230 as possible. Each corner tube web238 is at least as thick as half one of the adjacent corner tube necks244. Each corner tube web 238 is at least closer to the outer edges ofthe third embodiment quad-track beam 230 than to a center of the centralcavity 240. Stated differently, each corner tube web 238 is at leastcloser to one of the exterior sides 248 one of the corner tubes 232 thanto a center of the central cavity 240.

Basic Assemblies and Accessories Using Quad-Track Beams

FIGS. 4 a-4 d show four basic configurations that can be made with aquad-track beam. The first embodiment quad-track beam 100 is used inFIGS. 4 a-4 d, but second embodiment quad-track beam 156 may be used orany other embodiment of quad-track beam consistent with the teachingsherein. FIG. 4 a shows a straight configuration 200, which is just asingle quad-track beam. FIG. 4 b shows a diamond configuration 202, inwhich the mitered ends of 4 quad-track beams are joined. FIG. 4 c showsa cross configuration 204, in which the ends of 4 quad-track beams arejoined at a central junction point. FIG. 4 d shows a star configuration206, in which is like the diamond configuration 202 except that it has 4additional side beams, one in each junction between the mitered ends ofthe quad-track beams in the diamond.

FIG. 5 a shows a star joint 208 in the star configuration 206. Threefirst embodiment quad-track beams 100 are joined by a star joint plate210. The star joint plate 210 is joined to the channel bar cavities 114of the quad-track beams 100 with threaded bolts 212. FIG. 5 b shows adiamond joint 214 in the diamond configuration 202. Two first embodimentquad-track beams 100 are joined by a diamond joint plate 216. Thediamond joint plate 216 is joined to the channel bar cavities 114 of thequad-track beams 100 with threaded bolts 212.

One type of accessory that can be joined to a quad-track beam is achannel leg. FIGS. 6 a-6 d show several embodiments of channel legs.FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of a single channel leg 120 and FIG. 6 bis a cross-section view of a single channel leg 120 from the top. Thesingle channel leg 120 has a leg body 126 and a leg end plate 128. Theleg body 126 comprises a “C” type channel. The leg end plate 128 isjoined to one end of the leg body 126 and has one or more bolt holes129. The bolt holes 129 allow the single channel leg 120 to be attachedto a quad-track beam with a threaded bolt and a nut that jams in thequad-track beam, such as a strut-nut 140 or jam nut 168. The singlechannel leg 120 has a leg cavity 122. In some embodiments, such as theembodiment shown in FIG. 6 b, the single channel leg 120 hasnut-retention foam 124 positioned therein, which makes it possible toattach other accessories to the single channel leg 120 in the samemanner as they are attached to the quad-track beam. However, the singlechannel leg 120 is not as resistant to torsion about its long axis as isa quad-track beam, so it will not be able to cantilever as much load asa quad-track of similar size. In other embodiments, such as theembodiment shown FIG. 6 a, the single channel leg 120 does not have anynut-retention foam.

FIG. 6 c is a cross-section view of an alternative single channel leg130. The alternative single channel leg 130 has a leg channel 132bracketed by two leg tubes 134. The leg channel 132 has nut-retentionfoam 136 positioned therein, but may be omitted in some embodiments. Thealternative single channel leg 130 has an end plate (not shown) similarto the leg end plate 128 in FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 d is a cross-section view of a double channel leg 180. The doublechannel leg 180 has a front channel 182 and a back channel 184 that arejoined back-to-back. The double channel leg 180 has an end plate (notshown) similar to the leg end plate 128 in FIG. 6 a. The double channelleg 180 has nut-retention foam 186 positioned therein, but may beomitted in some embodiments.

Workstation Assemblies Using Quad-Track Beams

FIG. 7 shows a first application using quad-track beams. Firstembodiment quad-track beams 100 are used, but second embodimentquad-track beams 156 or other embodiments of the quad-track beam couldbe used. A first embodiment quad-track beam 100 is supported by twosingle channel legs 120 attached thereto. A first side extension 220 anda second side extension 222 are attached to the quad-track beam 100using gusset plates 224, threaded bolts 212 and strut-nuts 140. Thefirst side extension 220 has a single channel leg 120 to support its farend, but the second side extension 222 does not and is cantilevered. Dueto the attachment mechanism described herein, the side extensions can bemoved laterally after loosening the appropriate threaded bolts 212. Whenin the desired position, the threaded bolts 212 are tightened. Otheraccessories can be attached to the side extensions 220, 222 such asshelves, bins, computer pedestals and table top work surfaces. A divider226 is attached to the first embodiment quad-track beam 100 using agusset plate 224, threaded bolts 212 and strut-nuts 140. The divider 226is shown as cantilevered from the first embodiment quad-track beam 100,but it could also be supported at the far end by a single channel leg120.

Quad-Track Beam Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a fourth embodiment of a quad-track beam 230. FIG.9A shows the fourth embodiment quad-track beam 260 in a perspectiveview. FIG. 9B shows an exploded perspective view of the fourthembodiment quad-track beam 260. The fourth embodiment quad-track beam260 has four angle bars 264 arranged in parallel lengthwise. The anglebars 264 are arranged in a pattern 270 that is rectangular incross-section. The rectangular cross-section pattern 270 has fourpattern corners 272. Each of the four angle bars 264 have two legs 266that join at an angle bar corner edge 268. The angle bar corner edge 268of each of the four angle bars 264 is located in a different one of thefour pattern corners 272. The four angle bars 264 are arranged such thatthere is an inter-bar gap 276 between each leg 266 and an adjacent leg266 of an adjacent angle bar 264. The inter-bar gap 276 may serve as atrack for attaching accessories or attaching the quad-track beam 260 toother copies of the quad-track beam 260 or to other structures.

The angle bars 264 in the fourth embodiment quad-track beam 260 are madeof steel 3/16 inch thick, however in other embodiments, other suitablematerials and thicknesses may be used. The angle bars 264 may be alength suitable for constructing workstations. A length of 60 inches isusually suitable, but other lengths may prove to be desirable. The anglebar legs 266 may have a suitable width, such as 1½ inches, but may haveother widths. The inter-bar gap 276 may have a suitable width, such as ¾inches, but may have other widths as well. Length and thickness of theangle bars 264 may be selected based on the situations in which thequad-track beam 260 is intended to be used. Situations that will putmore torsion on the quad-track beam 260 may call for thicker angle iron.

In the fourth embodiment quad-track beam 260, the four angle bars 264are coupled with one or more beam mount brackets 274. Typically, thereis one beam mount bracket 274 every 30 inches down the length of thequad-track beam 260, but other spacing may be used. The beam mountbracket 274 is formed in a shape of a rectangular tube. Each of the fourcorners of the beam mount bracket 274 is nested inside of one of thefour angle bars 264 and coupled thereto. The beam mount bracket 274 maybe coupled to the four angle bars 264 by welding, by threaded bolts andnuts or some other suitable coupling. In FIG. 9A, the beam mount bracket274 is shown as coupled to the four angle bars 264 by welding. In FIG.9B, the beam mount bracket 274 and the four angle bars 264 have boltholes for facilitating coupling with threaded bolts (not shown).

FIG. 9C shows the fourth embodiment quad-track beam 260 in a perspectiveview with components for attaching accessories. The fourth embodimentquad-track beam 260 has a central cavity 176 defined by the four anglebars 264. A block of nut-retention foam 186 is positioned within thecavity. Attachment of accessories to the fourth embodiment quad-trackbeam 260 is accomplished in a manner very similar to the secondembodiment quad-track beam 156. A jam nut 168 may be inserted into oneof the inter-bar gaps 276 and twisted into an orientation perpendicularto the inter-bar gap 276. A bolt or threaded rod may be inserted into athreaded hole 174 of the jam nut 168 and the bolt be tightened,compressing the accessory and the jam nut 168 against the angle bars264. A bolt plate 280 with two jam nut hole 174 may be inserted into oneof the inter-bar gaps 276 in a similar manner, but without twisting.Both the jam nut 168 and the bolt plate 280 provide an extent of surfaceengagement with the angle bars 264 to provide a high amount ofresistance to torquing or lateral movement.

Dual Quad-Track Beam Assembly First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a first embodiment of a dual quad-trackbeam assembly 262. The dual quad-track beam assembly 262 provides astronger base from which to build a work station than just a singlequad-track beam and also provides a second row of inter-bar gaps 276 onthe same face, which can be convenient for building work stations onboth sides of the dual quad-track beam assembly 262. The dual quad-trackbeam assembly 262 comprises two of the fourth embodiment quad-trackbeams 260 coupled together with a plurality of dual beam brace brackets282. FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a dual beam brace bracket 282.The dual beam brace brackets 282 are coupled to the quad-track beams 260by welding, bolting or some other suitable coupling. The dual beam bracebracket 282 has bolt holes 278 in its legs for coupling with aquad-track beam 260 and has bolt holes 278 in its back plate forcoupling with other dual quad-track beam assemblies 262 or coupling withmounting brackets for accessories.

Bolting of the dual quad-track beam assembly 262 and of the constituentquad-track beams 260 provides a logistical advantage as separate anglebars 264, beam mount brackets 274, and dual beam brace brackets 282 canbe stored, shipped and moved more conveniently than fully assembled dualquad-track beam assemblies 262. The dual quad-track beam assembly 262may be made to any convenient length. A typical configuration would be adual quad-track beam assembly 262 of 120 inches with dual beam bracebrackets 282 at each end and at 30 inch intervals.

Dual Quad-Track Beam Assembly Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 11A and 11B show views of a second embodiment of a dual quad-trackbeam assembly 284. FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the secondembodiment of a dual quad-track beam assembly 284. FIG. 11B shows a topview of the second embodiment of a dual quad-track beam assembly 284.The second embodiment dual quad-track beam assembly 284 comprises twoquad track beams made of two sets of four angle bars 264, each arrangedas in the fourth embodiment quad-track beam 260 as shown in FIG. 9A, butwithout the beam mount brackets 274. Instead, the four angle bars 264are coupled together by quad-track end plates 286, one at each end. Thequad-track end plates 286 are preferably coupled to the four angle bars264 by welding, but bolting or some other suitable coupling may be used.

As shown in FIG. 11A, a single quad-track end plate 286 not only couplesangle bars 264 of one of the quad-track beams, but both. The quad-trackend plates 286 have bolt holes 278 to allow one dual quad-track beamassembly 284 to be coupled to another such assembly and alternatively toallow accessories to be attached. The second embodiment dual quad-trackbeam assembly 284 has a plurality of stiffeners 288 coupled to the anglebars 264 in the inter-bar gaps 276, preferably by welding. Thestiffeners 288 reinforce the quad-track beam, transmitting compressionforce and helping maintain the size and integrity of the inter-bar gap276 when the quad-track beam is under torsion about its long axis.

Dual Quad-Track Beam Cruciform Module First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dualquad-track beam cruciform module 292. The first embodiment dualquad-track beam cruciform module 292 comprises a plurality of dualquad-track beam assemblies coupled in a cruciform shape. The dualquad-track beams assemblies used in the first embodiment dual quad-trackbeam cruciform module 292 may be either of the first embodiment dualquad-track beam assembly 262 type or of the second embodiment dualquad-track beam assembly 284 type. The plurality of dual quad-track beamassemblies comprises one long dual quad-track beam assembly 298 and twoshort dual quad-track beam assemblies 300. The two short dual quad-trackbeam assemblies 300 are coupled to the long dual quad-track beam 298using sets of bolts and jam nuts, such as the jam nut 168 shown in FIG.9C. Each set of bolts and jam nuts are inserted into one of theinter-bar gaps 276 in the long dual quad-track beam 298.

Dual Quad-Track Beam Cruciform Module Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dualquad-track beam cruciform module 294. The second embodiment dualquad-track beam cruciform module 294 has four dual quad-track beamassemblies, each coupled to a central mounting plate 296. The dualquad-track beams assemblies used in the first embodiment dual quad-trackbeam cruciform module 292 may be either of the first embodiment dualquad-track beam assembly 262 type or of the second embodiment dualquad-track beam assembly 284 type. FIG. 13B shows a perspective view ofthe central mounting plate 296.

Single-Track Beam Assembly Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of asingle-track beam assembly 316. The single-track beam assembly 316comprises two single-track beams coupled in parallel lengthwise with aninter-beam gap 320 between them. Each of the two single track beamscomprises two angle bars 264 coupled in parallel lengthwise and in apattern that is rectangular in cross-section. The two angle bars 264 arearranged such the corner edge of each of the two angle bars 264 is in adifferent one of the four pattern corners and such that there is aninter-bar gap 276 between one of the legs 266 of two angle bars 264 andan adjacent one of the legs 266 of a second of the two angle bars 264.The single-track beam assembly 316 has two end plates 318, each coupledto one of the ends of the angle bars 264 of both single-track beams. Thesingle-track end plates 318 are preferably coupled to the angle bars 264by welding, but other couplings may be used.

The single-track beam assembly 316 may be used to provide support formounting additional accessories to a work station. The single-track beamassembly 316 is not as strong in resisting torsion along its long axisas the quad-track beams, but in situations where no such torsion loadsare expected, the single-track beam assembly 316 is a lighter weightalternative. Such situations would include where accessories are onlymounted vertically and not cantilevered out sideways.

Dual-Track Beam Assembly Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adual-track beam assembly 322. The dual-track beam assembly 322 has twodual-track beams coupled in parallel lengthwise with an inter-beam gap320 between them. Each of the two dual track beams comprises two channelbars 326 coupled in parallel lengthwise and in a pattern that isrectangular in cross-section. Each of the two channel bars has twochannel bar legs 328 joined to a channel back 330. The channel back 330of one of the two channel bars 326 is in two of the four corners of therectangular pattern and the channel back 330 of other of the two channelbars 326 is in the other two of the four corners of the rectangularpattern. The two channel bars 326 are arranged such that for eachchannel bar leg 328 there is an inter-bar gap 276 between that leg andan adjacent one of the legs of the other of the two channel bars 326.The dual-track beam assembly 322 has two dual-track end plates 324coupled to the ends of the channel bars 326 of both dual-track beams.The dual-track end plate 324 are preferably coupled to the channel bars326 by welding, but other couplings may be used.

The dual-track beam assembly 322 may be used to provide support formounting additional accessories to a work station. The dual-track beamassembly 322 is stronger than the single-track beam assembly 316, butnot as strong as the quad-beam assemblies in resisting torsion along itslong axis. However, in situations where no such torsion loads areexpected, the dual-track beam assembly 322 is an intermediate weightalternative.

Dual Quad-Track Beam Assembly Application Examples

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of a dual quad-track beam assemblywith cantilevered legs 304 attached, forming a first exemplaryworkstation arrangement 308. Second embodiment dual quad-track beamassemblies 284 are shown, but first embodiment dual quad-track beamassembly 262 may be used as well. The cantilevered legs 304 couple tothe dual quad-track beam assembly 284, elevating the second embodimentdual quad-track beam assembly 284 to a useful height for when worksurfaces and work accessories are attached thereto. The cantileveredlegs 304 each have a leg mounting plate 306 with bolt holes 278 therein.FIG. 14B shows a top view of the leg mounting plate 306. The legmounting plate 306 is coupled to the second embodiment dual quad-trackbeam assembly 284 using sets of bolts and jam nuts, such as the jam nut168 shown in FIG. 9C. Each set of bolts and jam nuts are inserted intoone of the inter-bar gaps 276 in the underside of dual quad-track beamassembly 284. Any of the cantilevered legs 304 can be repositioned alongthe dual quad-track beam assembly 284 by loosening of the bolts in theleg mounting plate 306, then sliding the cantilevered leg 304 forward orback along the dual quad-track beam assembly 284 as indicated by thearrows.

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a second exemplary workstation arrangement310 using dual quad-track beam assemblies 284. Second embodiment dualquad-track beam assemblies 284 are shown, but first embodiment dualquad-track beam assembly 262 may be used as well. An accessory 312 maybe coupled to one of the dual quad-track beam assemblies 284 anywherethere is inter-bar gap 276 available to do so. The accessory 312 iscoupled to an accessory mounting 314. The accessory mounting 314 hasbolt holes 278 therein. The accessory mounting 314 couples to the dualquad-track beam assembly 284 using sets of bolts and jam nuts, such asthe jam nut 168 shown in FIG. 9C. Each set of bolts and jam nuts areinserted into one of the inter-bar gaps 276 in the topside of dualquad-track beam assembly 284.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary workstationarrangement 332. This third exemplary workstation arrangement 332 hasone or more second embodiment dual quad-track beam assemblies 284 withcantilevered legs 304 attached as in the first exemplary workstationarrangement 308 as shown in FIG. 14A, but also has one or moreadjustable accessory brackets 334 and a work surface 336 (shown astransparent to allow view of the adjustable accessory brackets 334).

The adjustable accessory brackets 334 each have a bracket tube 338 and abracket mounting plate 340. The bracket mounting plate 340 couples tothe dual quad-track beam assembly 284 using sets of bolts and jam nuts,such as the jam nut 168 shown in FIG. 9C. The bracket tube 338 iscoupled to the bracket mounting plate 340. A bracket arm 342 is insertedinto and slidingly coupled with the bracket tube 338. Accessories may bemounted to the bracket arm 342, such as the work surface 336 shown. Thebracket arm 342 may be moved within the bracket tube 338 to adjust theheight of the accessory. Alternatively, the adjustable accessory bracket334 may be mounted with the bracket tube 338 pointing sideways ratherthan vertically, in which case, the lateral position of the accessory isadjusted. The bracket arm 342 may be held in position with a set screw344, which may be loosened to reposition the bracket arm 342 andtightened again when in the new position. The set screw 344 may have ahand knob so that the position of the bracket arm 342 can be adjustedwithout tools.

Bracket arm 342 shown in FIG. 18 has a right angle bend for supportingthe work surface 336, but other bracket arms 342 may not have the rightangle bend and may have different ways for connecting with accessories,such as pivot joints.

FIG. 19A shows a side view of the third exemplary workstationarrangement 332 with a cable trough 346 and a shelf 348 coupled thereto.The shelf 348 may be coupled to the dual quad-track beam assembly 284using sets of bolts and jam nuts. The shelf 348 may be used to holdtools, light fixtures, boxes of parts, etc. FIG. 19B shows a perspectiveview of the cable trough 346 with a curled lip 350 on either side. Thecurled lips 350 may clip into the inter-bar gap 276 of the quad-trackbeams 260 of the dual quad-track beam assembly 284 and engage with theupper edge of one of the angle bar legs 266 (see FIG. 9C). The cabletrough 346 may be used to carry power and communications cables tovarious workstations.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an adjustable end bracket 352. Theadjustable end bracket 352 has an end bracket back 354 with two brackettubes 338 attached thereto and two bracket arms 342 positioned withinand slidingly coupled to the bracket tubes 338. Each of the two bracketarms 342 may be held in position with a set screw 344, which may beloosened to reposition the bracket arm 342 and tightened again when inthe new position. The end bracket back 354 has one or more bolt holes278 matching the bolt holes 278 in a quad-track end plate 286 in asecond embodiment dual quad-track beam assembly 284 or dual beam bracebracket 282 in a first embodiment dual quad-track beam assembly 262,which allows the adjustable end bracket 352 to be coupled to one end ofa first embodiment dual quad-track beam assembly 262 or a secondembodiment dual quad-track beam assembly 284.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of a fourth exemplary workstation arrangement356. The fourth exemplary workstation arrangement 356 comprises a firstembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform module 292, although a secondembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform module 294 could be used aswell. The dual quad-track beam cruciform module 292 has cantilevered leg304 coupled to its underside (hidden in this drawing). An end zone worksurface 358 is coupled to the end of each of the four arms of the dualquad-track beam cruciform module 292 with a bracket arm 342 held by anadjustable end bracket 352. Work surface support frame 360 may becoupled to the adjustable bracket arm 342 to help support the end zonework surface 358. One worker can stand in each space between the endzone work surfaces 358 with the end zone work surface 358 used ascollaborative work areas. In FIG. 21, all four end zone work surfaces358 are shown as having the same shape, but in other arrangements, eachof the end zone work surfaces 358 may have a different shape.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of a fifth exemplary workstation arrangement362. The fifth exemplary workstation arrangement 362 comprises a firstembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform module 292, although a secondembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform module 294 could be used aswell. The dual quad-track beam cruciform module 292 has cantileveredlegs 304 coupled to its underside (hidden in this drawing). Several worksurfaces 364 mounted on work surface support frames 360 are coupled tothe dual quad-track beam cruciform module 292 with adjustable accessorybrackets 334. Each of the work surface support frames 360 has bracketarms 342 that sliding couple with the respective adjustable accessorybrackets 334, allowing for adjustment of the height of the work surfaces364. Several of the bracket arms 342 have pivots 366 coupling thebracket arm 342 to the respective work surface support frame 360 andwork surface 364, allowing that work surface 364 to be tilted to variousangles.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of a sixth exemplary workstation arrangement368, demonstrating some of the different shaped work surfaces that maybe used to create customized workstations for multiple purposes. Thesixth exemplary workstation arrangement 368 comprises two firstembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform modules 292, although secondembodiment dual quad-track beam cruciform module 294 could be used aswell or a combination thereof. The dual quad-track beam cruciformmodules 292 have cantilevered legs 304 coupled to its underside (hiddenin this drawing). Different shaped work surfaces are attached to thedual quad-track beam cruciform modules 292, including a work surfacewith circular cutout 370, a work surface with semi-circular cutout 372,a work surface with small wing 374, a work surface with large wings 376,a work surface with triangular cutout 378, and an intermediate worksurface 380. The intermediate work surface 380 couples to one of theends of each of the two dual quad-track beam cruciform modules 292,joining them together in a single unit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quad-track beam comprising: four angle barscoupled in parallel lengthwise and in a pattern that is rectangular incross-section, the pattern having four pattern corners, each of the fourangle bars comprising two legs that join at an angle bar corner edge,wherein the angle bar corner edge of each of the four angle bars is in adifferent one of the four pattern corners and wherein the four anglebars are arranged such that for each leg of each of the four angle barsthere is an inter-bar gap between that leg and an adjacent one of thelegs of an adjacent one of the four angle bars.
 2. The quad-track beamof claim 1, further comprising: an end plate coupled to ends of the fourangle bars.
 3. The quad-track beam of claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of stiffener plates, each coupling one of the four angle barsto an adjacent one of the four angle bars, each stiffener platepositioned in the inter-bar gap between one of the legs of one of thefour angle bars and the adjacent one of the legs of the adjacent one ofthe four angle bars.
 4. The quad-track beam of claim 1, furthercomprising: a beam mount bracket in a shape of a rectangular tube withfour bracket corners, wherein each of the four bracket corners iscoupled to an inside of one of the four angle bars.
 5. The quad-trackbeam of claim 1, further comprising: a cavity defined by the four anglebars; and a block of nut-retaining foam positioned within the cavity. 6.A dual quad-track beam comprising: two quad-track beams coupled inparallel lengthwise with an inter-beam gap between them; and whereineach of the two quad-track beams comprises four angle bars coupled inparallel lengthwise and in a pattern that is rectangular incross-section, the pattern having four pattern corners, each of the fourangle bars comprising two legs that join at an angle bar corner edge,wherein the angle bar corner edge of each of the four angle bars is in adifferent one of the four pattern corners, wherein the four angle barsare arranged such that for each leg of each of the four angle bars thereis an inter-bar gap between that leg and an adjacent one of the legs ofan adjacent one of the four angle bars.
 7. The dual quad-track beam ofclaim 6, further comprising: an end plate coupled to ends of the twoquad-track beams.
 8. The dual quad-track beam of claim 6, furthercomprising: a plurality of stiffener plates, each coupling one of thefour angle bars of one of the two quad-track beams to an adjacent one ofthe four angle bars of that beam assembly, each stiffener platepositioned in the inter-bar gap between one of the legs of one of thefour angle bars of that beam assembly and the adjacent one of the legsof the adjacent one of the four angle bars of that beam assembly.
 9. Thedual quad-track beam of claim 6, wherein each of the two quad-trackbeams has a beam mount bracket in a shape of a rectangular tube withfour bracket corners, wherein each of the four bracket corners iscoupled to an inside of one of the four angle bars of that beamassembly; and further comprising a plurality of dual beam brace bracketspositioned in the inter-beam gap and coupling the two quad-track beamstogether.
 10. The dual quad-track beam of claim 6, wherein each of thetwo quad-track beams has a cavity defined by the four angle bars of thatbeam assembly; and wherein each of the two quad-track beams has a blockof nut-retaining foam positioned within the cavity.
 11. A dualquad-track beam cruciform module comprising: a plurality of dualquad-track beam assemblies coupled in a cruciform shape; wherein each ofthe dual quad-track beam assemblies comprises two quad-track beamscoupled in parallel lengthwise with an inter-beam gap between them; andwherein each of the two quad-track beams of each of the dual quad-trackbeam assemblies comprises four angle bars coupled in parallel lengthwiseand in a pattern that is rectangular in cross-section, the patternhaving four pattern corners, each of the four angle bars comprising twolegs that join at an angle bar corner edge, wherein the angle bar corneredge of each of the four angle bars is in a different one of the fourpattern corners, wherein the four angle bars are arranged such that foreach leg of each of the four angle bars there is an inter-bar gapbetween that leg and an adjacent one of the legs of an adjacent one ofthe four angle bars.
 12. The dual quad-track beam cruciform module ofclaim 11, further comprising a center mounting plate; and wherein theplurality of dual quad-track beam assemblies comprises four dualquad-track beam assemblies, each coupled to the center mounting plate.13. The dual quad-track beam cruciform module of claim 11, wherein theplurality of dual quad-track beam assemblies comprises one long dualquad-track beam assembly and two short dual quad-track beam assemblies;and wherein the two short dual quad-track beam assemblies are coupled tothe long dual quad-track beam using sets of jam nuts and threadedscrews, each set of jam nut and threaded screw inserted into one of theinter-bar gaps of one of the quad-track beams of the long dualquad-track beam.
 14. A single-track beam assembly comprising: twosingle-track beams coupled in parallel lengthwise with an inter-beam gapbetween them; wherein each of the two single track beams comprises twoangle bars coupled in parallel lengthwise and in a pattern that isrectangular in cross-section, the pattern having four pattern corners,each of the two angle bars comprising two legs that join at an angle barcorner edge, wherein the angle bar corner edge of each of the two anglebars is in a different one of the four pattern corners; wherein the twoangle bars are arranged such that for one leg of a first of the twoangle bars there is an inter-bar gap between that leg and an adjacentone of the legs of a second of the two angle bars; and an end platecoupled to ends of the two angle bars.
 15. A dual-track beam assemblycomprising: two dual-track beams coupled in parallel lengthwise with aninter-beam gap between them; wherein each of the two dual track beamscomprises two channel bars coupled in parallel lengthwise and in apattern that is rectangular in cross-section, the pattern having fourpattern corners, each of the two channel bars comprising two legs joinedto a channel back, wherein the channel back of each of the two channelbars is in a different two of the four pattern corners; wherein the twochannel bars are arranged such that for each leg of a first of the twochannel bars there is an inter-bar gap between that leg and an adjacentone of the legs of a second of the two channel bars; and an end platecoupled to ends of the two channel bars.
 16. A workstation assemblycomprising: one or more dual quad-track beam assemblies; wherein each ofthe dual quad-track beam assemblies comprises two quad-track beamscoupled in parallel lengthwise with an inter-beam gap between them;wherein each of the two quad-track beams of each of the dual quad-trackbeam assemblies comprises four angle bars coupled in parallel lengthwiseand in a pattern that is rectangular in cross-section, the patternhaving four pattern corners, each of the four angle bars comprising twolegs that join at an angle bar corner edge, wherein the angle bar corneredge of each of the four angle bars is in a different one of the fourpattern corners, wherein the four angle bars are arranged such that foreach leg of each of the four angle bars there is an inter-bar gapbetween that leg and an adjacent one of the legs of an adjacent one ofthe four angle bars; a plurality of sets of jam nuts and threadedscrews, each set of jam nut and threaded screw inserted into one of theinter-bar gaps of one of the quad-track beams of one of the dualquad-track beam assemblies; a plurality of workstation legs, eachcoupled to one of the dual quad-track beam assemblies; and one or moreaccessory mounts configured for holding one or more accessories, eachaccessory mount coupled to one of the dual quad-track beam assembliesusing one or more of the sets of jam nuts and threaded screws.
 17. Theworkstation assembly of claim 16, wherein the one or more dualquad-track beam assemblies further comprises a plurality of dualquad-track beam assemblies coupled in a cruciform shape.
 18. Theworkstation assembly of claim 16, further comprising: an end zonebracket configured for holding one or more accessories comprising a backplate coupled to the end of the dual quad-track beam.
 19. Theworkstation assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of the pluralityof workstation legs is coupled to one of the dual quad-track beamassemblies using one or more of the sets of jam nuts and threadedscrews.